A slender obelisk pierces the sky. This is the Lancashire Fusiliers War Memorial a poignant tribute in Gallipoli Gardens Bury.
The memorial stands as a testament to the Lancashire Fusiliers’ sacrifice in the First World War. Designed by the renowned Sir Edwin Lutyens it is more than just stone. It’s a family legacy. Lutyens’ father and great uncle served in the regiment a connection that led him to waive his fee for the project.
The memorial was unveiled in 1922 on the seventh anniversary of the Cape Helles landing. This Gallipoli campaign saw devastating losses for the regiment. The unveiling was a significant event. Lieutenant General Sir Henry de Beauvoir De Lisle used a novel method an electric button to unveil the monument. The remaining funds were thoughtfully used for the regiment and their compassionate fund.
The memorial’s design is both simple and striking. A tall obelisk of Portland stone it features the regiment’s cap badge and motto Omnia Audax meaning daring in all things. Two painted stone flags hang from its sides. The inscriptions mark the First and Second World Wars honoring the sacrifices of all fusiliers. The memorial moved locations several times. It was originally outside Wellington Barracks. Later it moved to Bolton Road then finally to its current home in Gallipoli Gardens near the Fusilier Museum. This move in 2009 involved careful dismantling and repair before its reinstallation. Lutyens grandson Lord Ridley himself unveiled the memorial in its new location.
The Lancashire Fusiliers War Memorial is more than just a monument. It’s a symbol of remembrance. It’s a testament to courage sacrifice and the enduring legacy of a proud regiment. It stands as a powerful reminder of the cost of war. Yet it also tells a story of community support and thoughtful remembrance. The memorial is a Grade II* listed building a symbol of its significant historical and architectural importance. The memorial also embodies the lasting legacy of a skilled architect and the enduring memory of the Lancashire Fusiliers. The Lancashire Fusiliers War Memorial continues to resonate with the community a solemn and beautiful tribute.